My Nonprofit Reviews

Mardy S.

I'm excited and inspired by my membership in AAUW, even after 25+ years. It's the leadership training and development offered. It's the research findings that power our programming and empower members. It's the college/university student organizations that help us raise awareness about inequities. It's about action, outreach, collaborations, and awesome friendships!

My journey as a volunteer in AAUW has led me way beyond what I originally sought. I became a member of AAUW because I wanted to be a part of something bigger. What I receive keeps growing and growing: I am a more effective advocate; I am connected to AAUW leaders nationwide through social media, and am involved in supporting leaders; I am informed on current issues impacting women and girls, and connect directly with my federal and state legislators to give input to public policy issues; leadership training is available in a variety of programs; ways to support women and girls are available through philanthropy and programming. An example of what keeps me volunteering is what is being achieved through a partnership between AAUW and the WAGE Project. I am fortunate to have been trained as an AAUW facilitator to present the WAGE Project's Start Smart Workshop to college women about to enter the workforce.The workshop teaches an individual how to determine what employers are paying for the job she wants when she graduates and how to negotiate to be paid what she is worth doing that job. The number of workshops around the nation are growing. The workshops in Oregon have grown from 1 in 2011 to 4 so far in 2012 -- with more anticipated. This has happened because AAUW member leaders "get it," and train to facilitate Start Smart Workshops and make a difference for women, girls, and families. I am looking forward to continuing to see the incredible "aha" moments expressed by participants in Start Smart Workshops.